I completed the college's Cert IV in Design and can honestly say I loved every single minute of it. There are many options one could choose for this nationally recognised course (including online versions through places like Open Learning) but there is something about the ISCD that makes you just want to be part of their school and attend in person. Cost-wise it compares favourably to other schools in the marketplace. Courses can be either online or through attendance in class, and there are various weekday, evening and weekend options to cater for people in all situations. There is also a fast track and a super fast track option for those who want to work like demons and get their diploma within six months. The teachers are all totally lovely, the course materials and support during the study period are really top notch, and for those people in a position to take advantage of it there are (limited) regular opportunities for internships and design briefs from well known businesses to help kick-start a person's career. Having said this, no matter where you study a course like this it isn't cheap, and there is huge competition out in the marketplace for a very small number of opportunities for designers. I am not totally convinced that what one learns in one day a week for a year during the Cert IV course (or indeed the subsequent diploma courses at ISCD) will give you the practical skills to compete with people who have studied full time for four years doing a degree or TAFE course... but there is enough evidence to suggest that many people who have attended ISCD's courses have gone on to either get jobs in the industry or start their own business purely through their contacts in the industry. It is a really good idea to go along to one of their information sessions where they will tell you all about their school, what the courses cover, what past graduates have achieved and what you might be able to look forward to. There is no hard sell and you get a glimpse of what might be possible if you are lucky and work hard. There is no doubt that the ISCD is a special place that offers unique opportunities for the right people.

I have tried several clinics and practitioners over the years but have settled on this one for their consistent quality of service, warm and friendly attitude, and the fact that they bulk bill when so many other clinics charge a fortune (which, when one doesn't have private health insurance, makes one put off going). My whole family has regular check-ups here. The doctor found a suspicious spot on my arm at my last visit but rather than make a big deal out of it and try to book me in for expensive treatment he gave me a local anaesthetic immediately, cut out the spot and sent it off for analysis. Thankfully it got the all clear but it is good to know they are on the ball. I am very happy to know they are there and would gladly recommend this clinic to anyone.

I had lived in the area for several years before I bothered going in to Bargain Hunt Auctions for a look, and then it was another couple of years before I went back to check them out again. It is clear that they have worked very hard to build up not only the quality of their premises but also the range and quality of their stock. What a great place it is now! There is something for everyone... artwork, jewellery, collectibles, furniture, tools, memorabilia, books, bric-a-brac... you name it, it will appear sooner or later. You can also register to watch the auction live online (and bid online in real time) but it is most fun to actually be there and get caught up in the moment. A family-run business, it is really lovely to see two (or perhaps three?) generations all working harmoniously together to make this complex process run like a well-oiled machine. I have bought there on several occasions and have been extremely pleased with my wins. Pop in for half an hour or stay all day... it would be very easy to get hooked!

I have enjoyed numerous treatments at Chi Link Hornsby over the past few years including massage, cupping, reflexology and acupuncture. Each time I came away feeling vastly better than when I entered. Their practitioners are all experienced and friendly, they don't keep you waiting and they give very good value for money compared to some other centres. On several occasions I have needed help with acute pain (muscle spasm, back or neck pain etc) which they have always been able to relieve. Once I just went in for their special $10 10-minute neck massage which relaxed me enough to be able to face a morning at the shops. Whether you are there for 10 mins or 2 hours they still treat you as a valued customer. It is good to know that no matter when you go or who treats you, you can expect the same quality of treatment and warm customer service.

The best thing going for Ripples is its magnificent location - it is a perfect place to take international visitors (as we did today) when you want to blow them away with a world class view. Everything else about it is fairly average - the food is good but the menu is very ordinary. Service is efficient but there is a bit of "attitude" that slightly grates. Prices are reasonable given the unique location but there are better cafes in the area if you are a local and can see the view any time you like.

Approximate cost: $17

The Lounge Bar isn't really a bar and to be honest, as a local business, we've never called it anything but The Lounge. In this respect it is very aptly named because although there are traditional tables in the (quite roomy) premises, it actually has a number of lovely old, plush leather and fabric lounges and low coffee tables where you can just lie back and relax while you read the paper and enjoy a good coffee. There is also a massive communal table that runs practically the length of the room, and looks to be made of antique sawmill timbers... the timber alone is probably worth a fortune. The menu is simple and varied, with reasonable prices and warm, friendly service. John and Helen - the Chinese owners - speak very good English and have been catering to local workers and residents for many years. It is particularly fun to drop in for breakfast on one of the days twice a month when Kirribilli Market is right across the street - you can wander around the market and then rest your weary feet and sunburned head in the cool, subterranean Lounge (it is slightly below street level). Definitely worth trying out if you're in the area.

Approximate cost: $15

Apart from the wonderful view out over the ocean, The Beachgrill has an excellent menu including a massive seafood platter and the most to-die-for ribs I've eaten in a long time. They also have regular specials, and a good variety of items on the menu to tempt people with different tastes. Drink prices are reasonable and there is an awesome deal... when you dine on Thurs-Fri-Sat you receive a two-for-one voucher to eat there again some time during the following month on a Mon or Tues (I think those are the right days - perhaps check for exact details). Considering the fact that you can get a massive plate of ribs, chips and salad for $34 which is big enough for two adults, you could feed a family of four on 2f1 night for less than a hundred bucks including drinks and dessert. We visited for the first time with friends recently - and we're going back again very soon!

Approximate cost: $25

We have been eating at Almond Jade for years (both eat-in and takeaway) and have always been impressed with their warm and friendly service, reasonable prices and consistent quality. They are always very busy on Friday and Saturday nights so it pays to check your takeaway order before you leave just in case something is missing or incorrect - I've had that happen once or twice. It hasn't stopped me going back though as it is just a really good place to eat - simple, unpretentious decor, friendly wait staff who speak good English and have a bit of a chat if you're in the mood, and a back exit that takes you out to Coles carpark and plenty of parking in the lane (there's no parking out the front on Pacific Highway).

Approximate cost: $18

It is such a pleasure to visit Julie - not only is she a wizard with her buffs and her scalpels and her files, she is just a lovely person who enjoys a good chat so that you don't have time to worry about having bits nicked and sliced off your feet! I've been wanting to visit a podiatrist for years but it wasn't until a dear friend mentioned Julie that I actually made an appointment. I'm so glad I did - my feet love her! She works by appointment until 7.00 pm on Tues/Wed/Thurs (I think she has plans to extend this in the near future) and is very reasonably priced for the quality of service and the time she devotes to you. Definitely one of the best.

Approximate cost: $60

Blush is quite good value for money but it is the sort of place you go when you are not fussy about atmosphere and just want a cheap, serviceable job done on your nails. The girls don't speak very good English and you have to be careful you don't end up with something you didn't ask for, but as long as you are aware of this you'll be OK. I've also had a couple of incidences where the colour they tried to put on my nails was not the same colour as the sample (the bottle had been mislabelled) so again, just be alert. It's hard to get a smile out of anyone as they're usually trying to multitask and service as many people as possible all at the same time. I actually felt a bit sorry for them last time as with such cheap prices ($25 for a shellac manicure) they can't be getting paid very much for their hard work. Having said that, I have been there three or four times now for shellac mani-pedis or just shellac manis and despite the cheap price and the rather rushed service you do end up coming out with very nice nails. You can pay a lot more somewhere else and not get a better result. I think the lack of smiling is simply shyness.